Prehistoric Pile Dwellings were found along Mondesee (on our drive between Salzburg and Vienna) as well as in many other locations around the Alps – a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site.This culture dates from 5000 to 500 BC.Well preserved pottery that reminded us of Mesa Verde – only this is much much older! We enjoyed our stop at Mondesee MuseumThis exhibit show how they document these archeology sites. The dwellings were built along lake shores but most are under water now, which has preserved the remains well.A video hows how difficult the documentation is. Thank you to all that are working to preserve this ancient culture. If you want to find out more, check out palafittes.org
The Hills are Alive! We are on the ‘SOM’ WanderWeg (hiking trail) to the alpine meadow above Werfen, Austria where one of the movie scenes was filmed.La – a note to follow so…”Do Re Mi… in case you forgot the lyrics!…a long long way to run…Could it be Maria singing “The hills fill my heart with the sound of music…”?And Clint Eastwood used the Hohenwerfen Castle in the background for his movie “Where Eagles Dare”.
We headed high above the morning clouds on a beautiful day.Breathtaking!Looking down on the valley of the Salzach river and the town of Werfen, Austria.We have hiked up, then taken a steep Gondola ride – still a bit more climbing to reach the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave.Heading into the World’s Largest Ice Cave! A first for us.There is still a lot more climbing once inside – we carry gas lanterns to light the way.Ice formations! Some with special added lights at key locations.Scenic!Artistic!Mesmerizing — nature at it’s finest! Here is more geology science –After an hour and half or so, it is time to exit this special ice wonderland.To the historic Dr Oedl Schutzhaus restaurant at the top of the gondola.We enjoyed a delicious hot bowl of goulash soup.With the same view as the birds.
Not a place we would find Lewis Hamilton…Red Bull Hanger 7 – SalzburgEven if you are a Mercedes fan, there is plenty of glitter and glam to enjoy.Architecturally this is really a dynamic space.The Formula 1 beauty is in the details!And there is more! A fun interactive where we plunged to Earth from space.
In the hills south of Salzburg is Hellbrunn Palace.Built in 1615, it is a fun place to explore. Unicorns outside……and inside. Nature was promoted.Roman inspired amphitheater…. Augustus in the centerWhat are we watching?The trick fountains spurt to life.All the fountains are powered by engineered water ways to create this extraordinary garden.Neptune, the Roman god of water, would be very pleased. Abundant water makes for a vibrant dahlia garden.A perfect place for the gazebo, “I am sixteen going on seventeen…” – one of the Sound of Music iconic locations in Salzburg.The mountain views from the palace grounds.
Salzburg! To start at the very beginning: we toured the fortress on the hill above town.Salt is the very beginning – A salt model of the same view of the town!We looked out over the land that the fortress protected.A UNESCO world heritage city, we enjoyed wandering the sights.Other A+ RS travelers! They cut up their Rick Steve’s guidebook the same as we did! A funny encounter!This is Mozart’s birth place which makes this a very musically oriented city.We lunched alfresco on lasagna and tortellini with prosciutto while people watching.YUM!!! Good to the last taste.
Berchtesgaden is Germany’s only Alpine National Park.We wandered along the shores of Lake Königssee.A perfect day to enjoy the calm waters and watch the boats cruise by.They played the bugle to hear the echos off the walls – that was the only interruption to the solitude.A great place to take a break and soak your feet.There was always the luge option…Or the BBQ option back at the apartment! We are enjoying all of the amenities 😉
